GLP-1s for Psoriasis: How Do They Help?

This article explains how GLP-1s can treat psoriasis and when to ask your healthcare provider about your GLP-1 options.

Research on GLP-1s for psoriasis is still in its early stages, but some small studies have shown promise. “There’s growing evidence that GLP-1s may reduce systemic inflammation, which plays a major role in psoriasis,” says Hannah Kopelman, DO, a dermatologist in New York City who treats people with psoriasis.

Why GLP-1s Work for Psoriasis

• Moving killer T cells (a type of immune cell) away from psoriatic plaques (dry, scaly skin), which lessens local inflammation and balances your immune response
• Decreasing other T cell activity in lesions, which then lowers substances that cause inflammation
• Slowing your immune system’s signals, preventing inflammation before it starts

These medications can offer different results depending on a few factors.

“The effects of GLP-1s on psoriasis vary based on the degree of obesity and severity of psoriasis,” says Lindsey Bordone, MD, a dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City. “If I have a patient who developed psoriasis after they became overweight or obese, then I am optimistic when prescribing a GLP-1 that, with weight loss, their psoriasis will go into remission.”

How Soon Will GLP-1s Lessen Psoriasis Symptoms?

You won’t see improved psoriasis symptoms the day you start GLP-1s, and responses vary widely, says Dr. Kopelman. “Most people report skin improvement around the 8- to 12-week mark, which tracks with the timeline we expect for systemic inflammation to start meaningfully decreasing.”

“I think the better way to look at it is about reaching a goal of improved metabolic health,” says Dr. Bordone, adding that for people with more severe obesity or diabetes, psoriasis symptom improvement may take longer.

To better understand how a weight loss drug can clear psoriasis symptoms, it helps to know how obesity, inflammation, and psoriasis affect one another.

Obesity Increases Inflammation

“These two conditions feed off of each other, so addressing one alone is often not enough when you are dealing with a patient who has moderate to severe psoriasis, as well as obesity,” says Bordone.

Psoriasis Can Cause Inflammation Everywhere

Obesity and Psoriasis: An Inflammatory Storm

• Blood sugar regulation
• Increased insulin secretion
• Decreased appetite
• Delayed stomach emptying

You can ask your healthcare provider about GLP-1s at any time. Bordone strongly recommends GLP-1s for patients with psoriasis if these conditions apply:

• A BMI over 30
• A BMI over 27 with obstructive sleep apnea
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal cholesterol
• High fasting glucose
• Insulin resistance
• Prediabetes

“I’ve seen firsthand how these medications can positively impact patients who have both psoriasis and metabolic conditions like obesity or type 2 diabetes,” says Kopelman, who coordinates with her patients’ primary care providers when she feels a GLP-1 may help.

At this point, no GLP-1 type or brand has a better track record in treating psoriasis symptoms, says Bordone, who adds, “Most of my decision-making comes down to insurance coverage and affordability of these medications for my patients.”

• GLP-1 drugs are often prescribed for weight loss and diabetes, but their anti-inflammatory effects may also decrease psoriasis symptoms.
• Obesity causes body-wide inflammation, which goes hand in hand with psoriasis, and this link allows GLP-1s to treat both conditions.
• Your provider may recommend a GLP-1 for psoriasis if you also have a high BMI, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, or prediabetes.